Uganda: Youth traumatized by war find healing in writing

The Uganda Faith Writers Association (UFWA) will hold a second writing camp this fall for 20 youth traumatized by war. As the youth learn to write, they gain confidence in overcoming their trauma.

The youth, mostly Christians, will complete story drafts begun at the first workshop last year. UFWA aims to publish a book comprising their 20 stories to demonstrate God’s grace and power amidst suffering.

One 18-year-old wrote:

“My name is Susan. I live in Patiko village. I am a student in Gulu College.

“I stayed in the bush with the rebels till 2005. For those years I was a wife to one of the commanders. Each night I dreaded his coming to me. I prayed for a way to escape—it came, but it took six years! 1999 to 2005: I count this period as my lost years. My dreams are gone with it, but now I am back in school.

“Today I thank God for what I am, because in the bush, the chance of staying alive was small. I would stand in the semi-darkness of the evening and stare at the emptiness all around me and knew that nobody could find me alive."

Susan and the other youth, ages 12 to 18, will hone their writing skills and polish their stories stories. A U.S. publisher has expressed interest in the book.

“We felt these children’s stories need to be published to let the world know about their courage and struggle to remain human in spite of conditions beyond human imagination,” said Lillian Tindyebwa, co-founder of UFWA. “The stories show how God sustained them during the difficult times.”